The second Goss.ie Women of the Year Awards will take place on Sunday, October 1st, at The Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire, with well-known broadcaster and entrepreneur Gráinne Seoige as host.
The star-studded event will honour women across multiple genres, including business, sports, the arts, social justice and more.
We have also launched two people’s choice awards, including a ‘Local Hero’ category, where Goss.ie readers can nominate local women in their area who have contributed to their communities; as well as ‘Local Businesswoman’ where readers can vote for women in business in their locality.
This year the awards are in partnership with Google, Catrice Cosmetics, Gym Plus, Local Enterprise Office and Xin Gin.
Women’s Aid is our official charity partner for 2023 once again, and we will also be running a charity raffle on the day to raise funds for the charity.
Our highly-esteemed and all-female judging panel will decide the winners of each category.
This year we have introduced a new ‘Local Businesswoman’ category, where Goss.ie readers have nominated special women in business in their locality.
Whether they have started an inspiring new business venture, launched a new project to support their community or deserve recognition for running their business in difficult times, we would like these women to get the appreciation they deserve.
We have shortlisted five nominees, after receiving applications from colleagues and family members who all felt these women should be celebrated.
The winner, chosen by our esteemed panel of judges, will be announced at the awards ceremony on October 1st.
See our nominees below:
Dara Shortt
Founder of Comfort Homecare
Nominated by a number of her family members, Dara Shortt founded Comfort Homecare in response to the growing need for person-centred care in the comfort of their own homes.
After being made redundant during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dara established her own business at 56 years of age.
The Kildare native has always had a passion for helping others, and has always extended a hand of compassion towards people in her local community, providing discreet help and support to local families which she was aware were struggling.
Dara’s devotion to care is readily apparent, often working a seven-day week and previously driving inter-county for as long as ten hours a day, taking on house calls by herself – all while being “the best mother and grandmother anyone could ask for”.
Still in its infancy, Comfort Homecare has come an impressive way since it was first founded in July 2020, now employing over 150 people from the community.
Lisa Walsh
Founder of Heart to Home
Nominated by her husband Stephen amongst others, Lisa Walsh is the founder of Heart to Home, a care box service for elderly people.
Inspired by her grandmother to give back to the community, Lisa identified a gap in the market during the COVID-19 pandemic to connect friends and family during trying times.
The business’ care boxes are gender-specific and range from general items such as toiletries and clothing to entertainment – including arts and crafts supplies and puzzles.
Heart to Home is especially loved by those living abroad, as they can ensure their elderly relatives can receive toiletries and essentials straight to them, whether they’re living at home or are based in a nursing home.
Although Lisa still works as a full-time accountant and mum, she takes the time to sit down and hand write personal messages to add an extra special touch for the receiver of each care box.
Conscientious about giving back, Heart to Homes’ boxes are made from at least 70% recycled material, backed with FSC certification, and include only quality items.
Heather Condren
Founder of Flowerpop
Nominated by her niece, Heather Condren established her own business, Flowerpop, in December 2020.
After feeling a shift in her career dynamic because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Heather decided to explore her creativity and won a scholarship with Kay’s Flower School to be trained in the art of floral arranging.
The Dublin native founded Flowerpop, while juggling life as a new mum, and began selling Christmas wreaths to test the waters.
Now an established business, Flowerpop sells floral arrangements and bouquets as well as running regular workshops, hoping to pass on her knowledge and flair for floral arranging to her local community.
Having previously worked as a social care worker for nearly a decade, Heather has decided to give back to her community, and FlowerPop now sponsors Inchicore Athletic FC’s new Football For All team – for children with additional needs.
Earlier this month, Heather recreated a special bouquet of flowers for a local woman with Alzheimer’s disease, who was renewing her wedding vows as part of a fundraiser for The Alzheimer Society of Ireland.
Denise Buckley
Founder of Sugar Plum Sweetery
Nominated by her colleagues, Denise Buckley is the owner and founder of chocolate and sweet emporium Sugar Plum Sweetery.
The Mullingar-based business was established in June 2022, with the view of capturing the growing gifting market with unique, handmade products which are delivered nationwide.
Denise has a rich background in business management, having worked for luxury department stores in Ireland for over 16 years.
To perfect their brand, Denise and her husband David travelled across Europe – from Switzerland to Italy to Cologne, sourcing the most decadent chocolate, high-quality nuts and most delicious confectionery.
Sugar Plum Sweetery featured on The Late Late Show’s Taking Care of Business special 2022, as well as Ireland AM and RTÉ 2FM.
Earlier this month, the business won the Chocolate and Confectionery category in the Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards, after having been shortlisted amongst some of Ireland’s best-known confectioners – including Lir Chocolates and Lilly O’Brien’s.
Samantha Forrest
Founder of Fussy Food Plates
Nominated by her husband Barry, Samantha is the founder and creator of Fussy Food Plates, a genius food product that makes food fun for children and adults.
Launched in January 2023, their sustainable products blur the lines between playtime and mealtime, aiming to “change fussy eaters into happy eaters”.
Despite being in business only a short time, Fussy Food Plates have been sold globally, and have been used by a host of famous parents – including Donal Skehan, Glenda Gilson and Sarah Morrissey, to name a few.
In August, her plates and cutters were recommended and shared by social media sensation Mrs. Hinch, who has over 4.7million Instagram followers, sparking a huge surge in orders.
Alongside being a mother-of-three, Samantha has been balancing her new business venture while working full-time for a pharmaceutical company over the past year.
She has also donated many plates to Ronald McDonald House and CHI Crumlin, after her own daughter Emily spent time at the hospital after contracting meningitis.
Her stockists include Reuzi, Stock, and Mira Mira, and she is already planning a large partnership with a US supplier.
